Adult mystery writer Faye Kellerman teamed up with her daughter Aliza Kellerman to write an action packed, science fiction thriller that takes a look at what life would be like if there was no modern health care–no doctors, no medicine, and knowing anything about illness or injury can get you thrown in prison. It is a quick read, that has everything: action, mystery, science fiction, and even a love story thrown in to the mix.

Prismcenters on three teens Kaida, Zeke, and Joy. On a school trip to the Carlsbad Caverns, their school van is in a horrific accident. Barely escaping the accident alive, the three teens take cover in a nearby cave. After getting lost and falling deeper into the cave with no way out. After blacking out, Kaida awakens the next morning safe and sound in her bed. Odd. It isn’t until she goes to school, that she begins to feel that things are not right. After witnessing a man get hit by a car and no one coming to his aid except men in white who just throw the dying man into the back of a white van, Kaida really begins to realize that something is not right in this world. Zeke and Joy are experiencing the same thing as Kaida and share the same memories of the accident. The three of them display an uncanny knowledge of medicine, illness, and injury in this world, and this knowledge is dangerous. Can Kaida, Zeke, and Joy figure out what happened to them the night of the accident, can they get back home to their world, and can they survive this world long enough to do so?

Checkout this video below, where the Aliza and Faye Kellerman talk about writing the Prism:

As part of the summer reading program this year, we asked teens to create playlists for books they read. A book playlist is just a list of songs that either the main character would listen to, or that just fit with the different aspects of the book. This is the first time we’re posting one of the playlists, and it’s Emily’s playlist for the book Stargirlby Jerry Spinelli. Click here to find Stargirl in the Library to see why Emily chose these songs for her playlist. To listen to Emily’s playlist, just click on the pop-out player below:

As part of the summer reading program this year, we asked teens to create playlists for books they read. A book playlist is just a list of songs that either the main character would listen to, or that just fit with the different aspects of the book. This is the first time we’re posting one of the playlists, and it’s Emily’s playlist for the book Stargirlby Jerry Spinelli. Click here to find Stargirl in the Library to see why Emily chose these songs for her playlist. To listen to Emily’s playlist, just click on the pop-out player below:

If you ever had to move, start at a new school, or if you’re just trying to figure out who you want to be then pick up Page by Paigeby Laura Lee Gulledge. This graphic novel is full of amazing illustrations and an amazing relatable story. Paige has just moved to New York from a small town in Virginia. She feels alone in the big city and she doesn’t know a soul yet. Paige decides to focus on her art and through her sketchbook, which is worked into the book’s illustrations she finds the courage to meet new people, take risks like sharing her art with others- which is like bearing her soul. This causes all kinds of awesomeness to happen in her life. So try something new and pick up this great insightful graphic novel today!

Airbornis a terrific book with a take on the past with a fantasy twist. This book pulls the reader in with tales of pirates, airships, and mysterious creatures known to the main characters as “cloud cats”.

This book has a lot of drama. It also is the sequel to ttyl. Maddie, Angela, and Zoe all just turned 16 and have been having a fun time. Until one day Angela gets very bad family news. Also, Zoe has a big secret she told Maddie but never Angela, and Zoe just can’t tell her.

This was a sad but touching novel. It showed how important family is in a crisis, and how not many things can break the bond made from parents to their child. This book made me very emotional and it was very well written.

I liked this book because it was well written with emotion and I could really relate to the 12 year old girl. The girl is discovering the changes in middle school and in life. She starts to learn the true meaning of friendship and to always be yourself.

Listenis a book about what happens in a small town when people’s conversations they had were recorded and posted on a website. It shows how the little things one says in private can turn friends against each other and also how harmful words can be.

Fatima works in a carpet factory and then a boy Iqbal comes along. Iqbal shows Fatima the truth about her life to come, and teaches her many things. This interesting book is based on a true story and is a must read this summer.

This book is great for readers who love haunted-ness. I know I was scared to go into our basement alone for days, but I didn’t regret reading this book. You’re sister is possessed and wants to kill you–not only you but your mom, too. There’s also at least 20 more girls and women she wants to kill. Why? You know you have to find out why, to save your life, your mom’s life, the other girls’ lives, and your sister’s life.